sony_mz-r3_main.jpg

Name
MZ-R3
Manufacturer
Sony
Released
1995/05
Device type
portable
Recorder
Recorder
MDLP
No
NetMD
No
Hi-MD
No
Radio
No
Dimensions
115.8 x 29.8 x 81.0 mm
Weight
360g
ATRAC ver
3
Battery
2xAA or BP-DM20 Rechargable
Sidecar battery
Other
Voltage
4.5
Power cable
Center positive
Price (launch)
$350
¥95 000
-
Inputs
3.5mm line in (optical multi), 3.5mm microphone
Outputs
3.5mm line out (analog-only), 3.5mm headphone
Control
Remote (Sony)

Sony MZ-R3

To get rechargeable AA's to work in an 'R3, you need press the rechargeable batteries switch. To do so, open up your MZ-R3, holding it so the bottom is facing up and the battery bay is on the far side. Pop the battery door open. On the right-hand side, you will see near the bottom a little pin. Get a bit of newspaper or eraser to hold the pin shut, then put your AA rechargeable batteries in. They should charge normally. Do this at your own risk; it isn't likely to be a Sony-approved technique. - Gian-Paolo D Musumeci (and others)

– Content adapted from MiniDisc.org page


This also works with modern rechargeable (Eneloops and the like) NiMH AAs, no modification necessary. I have not attempted to charge these while installed in the 'R3.

When titling a track or disc, you can hit the play button to quickly go the first character of the different subcategories (foreign characters (when available), A-Z, a-z, 0-9).

Works with LCD remotes, but does not use the display. Controls work as intended as well.

ATRAC Chip: CXD2536R
Optical Pickup: KMS-194A/J-N
MD Mechanism: MT-MZR3-109 (similar to the R2)

Manuals

Sony MZ-R3 User Manual (Scan)

Sony MZ-R3 Service Manual (1.1)

Sony MZ-R3 Circuit Diagrams

Repair

Basic Teardown

Photos